NL Central

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes will start the 2024 All-Star Game for the National League, MLB announced on Friday.

Your NL #AllStarGame starting pitcher: Paul Skenes ⭐

As announced on the @DPShow, the @Pirates rookie gets the nod in his first All-Star Game! pic.twitter.com/M9QFgH5s1O

— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2024

NL All-Star manager Torey Lovullo calls in to tell Paul Skenes he will be the NL starter for the All-Star Game@Paul_Skenes @Pirates @MLB pic.twitter.com/EeAmuuM17l

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 12, 2024

According to MLB Network, Skenes will become the fifth rookie pitcher to start an All-Star Game.

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, who will manage the NL team in the All-Star Game next week, hinted strongly Thursday night that Skenes would get the nod.

When asked about potential starters for the game, Lovullo specifically mentioned Skenes because he's been "an unbelievable addition" and "created a lot of interest in Major League Baseball" since being called up by the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 9.

Torey Lovullo said he hasn't finalized his starting pitcher for the All-Star Game, but it sure sounds like Paul Skenes is getting serious consideration.

"He's come on very quickly. He's been an unbelievable addition to Major League Baseball, and he's created a lot of interest… pic.twitter.com/30BnJ6yqhV

— PHNX Diamondbacks (@PHNX_Dbacks) July 11, 2024

If there was an argument against Skenes to start the game, it was based on the number of innings he has pitched in the big leagues relative to the other options.

Skenes has thrown only 66.1 innings in 11 starts. Chris Sale, Zack Wheeler, Christopher Sánchez and Hunter Greene were among the other candidates who could've started, and they have all thrown more than 100 innings so far this season.

On a per-start basis, though, Skenes has been the most consistently dominant pitcher in the NL. The 22-year-old had the best start of his young career on Thursday when he threw seven no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Here are all 11 strikeouts by Paul Sꓘenes in case you missed it.

Play of the Day presented by @STIHLUSA pic.twitter.com/inUgh4YsN7

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 11, 2024

Thursday was the sixth consecutive start in which Skenes has allowed two or fewer runs with seven or more strikeouts. He's yet to allow more than three runs in any of his starts.

Skenes' 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings ranks first in the NL among all players with at least 60 innings pitched. His 1.90 ERA is second only to Reynaldo López of the Atlanta Braves (1.71).

The All-Star Game is a marketing event intended to sell the biggest stars in the sport to casual audiences who may not be inclined to watch games every day like a hardcore fan, which also likely factored into the decision to start Skenes.

Outside of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, it can be argued that Skenes has been the biggest star—or at least the most-talked-about star—in MLB since he debuted.

Depending on how AL manager Bruce Bochy puts together his starting lineup, the idea of having Skenes potentially face Judge, Gunnar Henderson and Juan Soto in the first inning of the All-Star Game is something everyone in the sport should want to see.

Pittsburgh Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes threw 99 pitches in seven hitless innings during his team's 1-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, but manager Derek Shelton said that number isn't why he pulled the starter before giving him a chance to finish the no-hitter.

"It really didn't have anything to do with the pitch count," he told reporters. "Everybody makes it about pitch counts. It was about where he was at. It was about trusting your eyes, trusting him. When I went and talked to him after that, I mean, he was tired. They did a good job of wearing him down."

Ultimately, it is Shelton's job to maximize Pittsburgh's chances to win the game, and the visitors did just that.

Colin Holderman and Aroldis Chapman combined to pitch two scoreless innings to finish out the win even though the Brewers were finally able to get a hit after Skenes exited the contest.

Still, Skenes missing out on a chance to pitch a no-hitter was the bigger storyline than the result of one July baseball game.

The 22-year-old has been electric during his rookie season for the Pirates and would have had quite the career achievement during just his 11th career start if he did pitch a no-hitter. And, even though Shelton said the ace was tired, he appeared to be getting stronger as the game progressed.

After all, Skenes threw a grand total of six pitches in the seventh inning and still hadn't reached the century mark at that point. He struck out 11 and had little trouble with the lineup of the first-place team in the National League Central.

In a testament to how incredible the rising star has been at the start of his career, this is the second time Skenes was lifted without giving up a hit and while striking out 11. He pitched six hitless frames and fanned 11 during a May 17 start against the Chicago Cubs before he was taken out with 100 pitches.

Alex Stumpf of MLB.com noted Skenes joined the legendary Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers with multiple starts of six or more hitless innings with 11 or more strikeouts in the same season.

Ryan finished the no-hitters in 1973.

If Skenes continues to pitch like he has at the start of his career, he will likely have more opportunities in the future to actually finish the no-hitters.

Paul Skenes had a tremendous day on the mound against the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday, pitching seven hitless innings before being pulled ahead of the eighth.

While completing the no-hitter would have been a tremendous feat, the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher said that he understands the decision to pull him out of the game given the tight circumstances.

"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes said. "We have [Colin] Holderman and [Aroldis] Chapman at the back end of our bullpen, so I think those are, I think, probably two of the best guys in the league, so I have a ton of trust in them to be able to finish it. Obviously, in a 1-0 game, you want to stay in there, you want to finish it, but the volume's getting up there a little bit, so I get it."

"We went into the outing with a plan... just adjusted to what they were doing and what they were thinking. Made it fun."@Pirates All-Star Paul Skenes joins #MLBNOffBase after 7 innings of no-hit ball in a Pittsburgh victory! #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/XgKUiKMemU

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 11, 2024

The Pirates led 1-0 at the time as Colin Holderman came in ahead of the eighth to hold Pittsburgh's lead. Aroldis Chapman closed the game in the ninth to get the win and the save.

Though he couldn't complete the no-hitter on Thursday, Skenes has had a tremendous start to his MLB career. Since making his debut in May, the LSU product and top pick in the 2023 MLB draft has picked up 89 strikeouts and a 1.90 ERA across 66.1 innings, notching a 6-0 record in 11 appearances.

On Thursday, he tied his career-high with 11 strikeouts.

Skenes recently became the first player in MLB history to become an All-Star in his first season after being selected first overall in the amateur draft. He's also the first rookie pitcher in Pirates history to achieve that feat.

After Thursday's performance, fans called for Skenes to be named the starter for the All-Star Game, and he certainly made a strong case to do so.

After the All-Star break, the Pirates will look to finish the season strong and make a push to reach the playoffs. Pittsburgh currently sits in third place in the NL Central at 45-48 on the year.

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne was excited for her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes, after his impressive outing on Thursday.

"Slay," Dunne wrote on her Instagram story over Skenes' numbers during a 1-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 22-year-old was dominant against the Brewers, racking up 11 strikeouts compared to just one walk over seven innings. Skenes didn't allow a hit, although he was pulled from the game before the bottom of the eighth inning after throwing 99 pitches.

Pittsburgh's bullpen allowed a pair of singles to break up the team's no-hit bid, but the rookie still wrapped up an incredible performance. Through his first 11 career starts, Skenes is now 6-0 with a 1.90 ERA. He's averaging 12.08 strikeouts per nine innings and has allowed a mere 13 total walks.

Skenes' hot start to his career has already put him in the history books, as he became the first player to make an All-Star team after being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the prior draft (h/t Bob Nightengale of USA Today). Dunne celebrated with her boyfriend after finding out about the achievement.

Paul Skenes, All-Star. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/5du23YUc79

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) July 7, 2024

Livvy Dunne surprised Paul Skenes after he became an All-Star 🥹💛

(via @livvydunne) pic.twitter.com/uRiUDJuj0S

— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2024

The right-hander's stellar rookie season has helped the Pirates remain competitive in the National League playoff race, moving to 45-48 after Thursday's win. Pittsburgh currently sits 2.5 games back of the final wild-card spot.

The legend of Paul Skenes grows.

The Pittsburgh Pirates phenom was absolutely brilliant on Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing seven no-hit innings to go along with 11 strikeouts and just one walk before being pulled due to his pitch count sitting at 99.

Just some Paul Skenes paint for you to admire 🖼️ pic.twitter.com/83mxuQmLMs

— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes racks up his 9th K.

It's the 4th inning ... pic.twitter.com/Uj5n4Miaw7

— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes ties his career high with his 11th K!

He's yet to give up a hit through 6 innings 👀 pic.twitter.com/GPsuc1YYAL

— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2024

A 6-pitch inning gets Paul Skenes through the 7th! pic.twitter.com/4FWb3a2aTg

— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2024

What Skenes is doing so early in his career—Thursday's start was only the 11th of his career!—is nothing short of unreal. He may already be the best pitcher in baseball, and he's only 22 years old.

That had fans and pundits clamoring for him to be the NL's starting pitcher at the upcoming All-Star Game, alongside the usual astonishment at his performance:

The only correct answer to who should start the All-Star Game for the National League is Paul Skenes. https://t.co/FXzIoacATE

— Henry Thuss (@HenryThuss) July 11, 2024

I did a segment on this today. Skenes will be the All-Star starter for the NL. He's earned it. A couple of the other options will pitch Sunday and won't be available. He's the biggest draw. Mark it down. https://t.co/oJ6aBy4ypf

— Hunt Palmer (@HuntPalmer88) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes allowing as many hits to the brewers as the brewers have World Series.

Make him the All-Star game starter. pic.twitter.com/IrnihvjbWU

— Joey (@suzukiplshomer) July 11, 2024

Re-upping this. Paul Skenes absolutely deserves to start the All-Star Game. There should be no question now. https://t.co/BDQJ5wSK6i

— Ryan Phillips (@RumorsandRants) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes will start the All-Star Game. (This isn't news, this is just me stating the obvious.)

— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) July 11, 2024

Even if he didn't throw 7 scoreless no-hit innings there is zero reason MLB shouldn't have Paul Skenes start he All-Star Game, have to market stars

— Ryan Garcia (@RyanGarciaESM) July 11, 2024

Only pitchers in AL/NL history with MULTIPLE outings in a season of 6+ IP, 0 H and 11+ Ks

Paul Skenes: 2x this year (so far?!)
Nolan Ryan: 2x in 1973

That's IT.

— Jason Catania (@JayCat11) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes is the first Pirate pitcher to record 7+ strikeouts in eight consecutive starts.

His MLB career is 11 starts old.

He's pitched only three innings so far today.

— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes is the first pitcher with 7+ strikeouts in at least 10 of his 1st 11 career app (since at least 1901)

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes is first rookie pitcher to have 2+ starts of at least 6 innings and 0 hits allowed since at least 1906

— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) July 11, 2024

paul skenes is in his 11th career start and he might be the best pitcher in baseball

— Guerschon Yabusele (@chakoop69) July 11, 2024

Paul Skenes is hands down the greatest pitching prospect of all time. #LetsGoBucs

— Adam (@ABierOU) July 11, 2024

Pittsburgh's no-hitter bid ended immediately, as reliever Colin Holderman gave up a hit to the first batter he faced, Jake Bauers.

As you might imagine, fans were not happy with Pittsburgh manager Derek Shelton's decision to take out Shelton to prevent his pitch count from ballooning:

Paul Skenes has a no-hitter through 7 at 99 pitches and they took him out. This is his last start before the All-Star break, and he had thrown the last 4 innings in 36 pitches. Why not send him back out?

— Tyler Reeder (@tmreeder21) July 11, 2024

In reality, not putting out your young ace in the 8th with 99 pitches is the correct move

But 99% of the audience in this Pirates-Brewers midweek day game wanted to see Paul Skenes finish that start

— Nick VanZandt (@VanzandtNick) July 11, 2024

Why would you pull Paul Skenes right there….. Kid could have went the distance and threw a no-hitter. Hadn’t even broke the 100 pitch count.

— Gary Morris (@CoachG_4) July 11, 2024

The thing with pulling Skenes is that it's not just about chasing the no-no, it's that he genuinely still gives the team the best chance to win this game.

That's why it's frustrating.

— patrick (@muldowney) July 11, 2024

Long term, it's easy to see why the Pirates don't want to overwork Skenes so early in his career. Star pitchers have ended up on the injured list at alarming rates this season, and Skenes' long-term arm health is more important than short-term success.

Still, seeing a dominant pitcher getting removed from a game while he's gunning for a no-hitter is just... no fun. It's easy to understand fan frustrations from that standpoint.

Either thing, one thing is abundantly clear—Skenes is an absolute superstar. The Pirates have a franchise cornerstone on their hands.

The Chicago Cubs are moving outfielder Cody Bellinger to the 10-day injured list because of a fracture in his left middle finger.

The 2023 Silver Slugger winner was hit by a pitch in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

The injury comes as Bellinger is the subject of trade rumors ahead of the July 30 deadline.

At 44-49, the Cubs are sitting last in the National League Central, but they're just 3.5 games back of the final wild-card spot. Should they decide to pack it in and become a seller within the next few weeks, Bellinger is one of the more logical candidates to go out the door based on his contract structure.

Though the 28-year-old penned a three-year, $80 million contract with Chicago last offseason, it effectively operates as a one-year rolling pact. He can opt out this winter or after the 2025 season.

Chicago could look to cash out now if the front office senses he wants to test his value on the open market again.

Granted, Bellinger's performance means he might be wary of turning down a $27.5 million salary. Through 79 games, he has a .269/.331/.410 slash line and a 107 OPS+, which is well below his 135 OPS+ from 2023, per Baseball Reference.

If the left-handed slugger was unable to secure a nine-figure payout on the heels of becoming an elite hitter again, then one presumably won't be forthcoming after his production has declined slightly.

For now, any interested suitors in Bellinger will remain in a holding pattern until he makes his return to the field.

As the July 30 trade deadline draws nearer, many around MLB are reportedly wondering what the Chicago Cubs are planning.

While the Cubs are tied for last in the NL Central with a 44-49 record, they are still in contention for a wild-card spot. The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported that there's uncertainty over whether Chicago will be looking to add talent or ship away some of its top trade pieces.

"Across the industry, no one is sure if they'll buy, sell or hold at this year's trade deadline as they sit 3 1/2 games out of wild-card position with five teams they would have to jump over," Bowden stated.

After missing the playoffs for the last three years, the Cubs have pieces in place to be competitive in the postseason, but they have a few holes on the roster that need filling.

Bowden added that the Cubs "know if they upgrade the bullpen and acquire a better offensive catcher, they could be formidable as they do have starting pitching that's capable of running the table in October." Chicago reportedly has been linked to Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Díaz, who will be a free agent this winter.

Tonight was Imanaga’s fourth start throwing at least 6.0 innings of scoreless baseball, tied for the most such starts in the National League 🔥 pic.twitter.com/a89srt2cgu

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 11, 2024

However, Bowden noted that the Cubs have fielded interest for veteran outfielder Cody Bellinger from teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners. Depending on how the next few weeks play out, Chicago could decide its best course is to start building for the future.

"If they stumble out of the All-Star break, don't be surprised if they decide to retool for 2025," Bowden added.

Cincinatti Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz says he is learning Japanese in order to chat with Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

"I don't know if I'm gonna learn, but I'm trying," De La Cruz said.

Elly De La Cruz is learning to speak Japanese so he can talk with Shohei Ohtani ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vpEmJQiIHf

— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2024

If De La Cruz does pick up Japanese, it would not be the first time the 22-year-old native of the Dominican Republic has added a new language to his repertoire.

De La Cruz in March held a press conference in English for the first time after he said he put in "a lot of work" to practice to language.

"It's so important to me because now you guys understand what I say, and it's important to fans to understand me, and me understand the fans," De La Cruz said.

De La Cruz continued: "I practice every day, talking with the other guys."

The Reds do not currently have any Japanese players on their roster.

But with the contingent of MLB players born in Japan growing— four, including the Los Angeles Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Chicago Cubs' Shota Imanaga, made their North American debuts this season— there's a chance De La Cruz will get the chance to practice his third language with a teammate in the future.

For now, De La Cruz has just over a week to brush up on his Japanese before he and Ohtani come together to represent the National League as the All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday, July 16 in Arlington, Texas.

LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne congratulated her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates starter Paul Skenes, for his historic All-Star accomplishment on Sunday.

Dunne praised Skenes in a pair of Instagram stories as she wrote, "he's an ALL STAR!"

She also shared a video and a photo of a surprise she set up for Skenes:

Livvy Dunne surprised Paul Skenes after he became an All-Star 🥹💛

(via @livvydunne) pic.twitter.com/uRiUDJuj0S

— MLB (@MLB) July 8, 2024

Olivia Dunne celebrated Paul Skenes' All-Star selection 🥳 pic.twitter.com/rFzjEo20Np

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 7, 2024

Skenes was selected to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game earlier in the day, becoming the first player to earn an All-Star nod the year after they were selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.

Paul Skenes is an All-Star, the first player to be selected first overall in the draft and make the All-Star team the next season.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 7, 2024

Dunne has appeared at several Pirates games to support Skenes throughout the season and recently showed up to watch the team's clash with the New York Mets on Saturday (h/t Jenna Lemoncelli of the New York Post).

While Pittsburgh owns a middling 42-46 record, Skenes' emergence has undoubtedly been one of the team's bright spots. The right-hander has thrived since he was called up by the team on May 8.

In 10 starts, Skenes has a 5-0 record to go along with a 2.12 ERA. He's racked up 78 strikeouts compared to just 12 walks in 59.1 innings of work, accumulating an impressive 1.011 WHIP.

Paul Skenes ends his day in ELECTRIC fashion ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/mIJibzzIoH

— MLB (@MLB) July 6, 2024

He became the eighth pitcher since 1901 to record at least 78 strikeouts in the first 10 starts of his career, while his 14 total runs allowed are fewer than everyone above him on the leaderboard (via Alex Stumpf of MLB.com).

Skenes won't be the only Pirate represented during All-Star festivities, as outfielder Bryan Reynolds was also selected to participate in the game.

The MLB All-Star Game will be on July 16 at 8 p.m. ET.

History has been made.

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has been selected to the 2024 MLB All-Star Game. He becomes the first player drafted No. 1 overall to be selected to the All-Star Game the year following the selection.

Paul Skenes is an All-Star, the first player to be selected first overall in the draft and make the All-Star team the next season.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 7, 2024

He joins outfielder Bryan Reynolds as the Pirate's representatives in the game. Skenes earned this feat despite not being called up until May.

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While Skenes has not been in the majors very long, he has been dominant from the start.

He is currently 5-0 with a 2.12 ERA across 10 starts. He has thrown 59.1 pitches and has a record 78 strikeouts. He has never allowed more than three earned runs in an outing during his MLB career and has recorded at least seven strikeouts in nine of his ten starts.

While he did not match the innings pitched numbers that some other pitchers have reached this year, his dominance took that argument off the table and now the 22-year-old is heading to his first career All-Star Game.

The 2024 All-Star Game will take place Tuesday, July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.